how he can afford such an expensive vacation, and he responds that his wages are more
than adequate for him to have enough funds for the vacation. When they start
comparing income, they find that Manny makes $100 more per week than Thelma, and
that Thelma makes $50 more per week than Louise. Both Thelma and Louise are upset,
and the two complain to the human resource department. Has the factory violated the
Equal Pay Act?
Susan is part owner of one of the best restaurants in a medium-sized city. This
restaurant is operated as a partnership. In October 2010, the local newspaper published
a story about Bill, who is Susan’s business partner in the restaurant. In this article it is
stated that Bill’s net worth is several million dollars. About ten days later, Susan
receives a summons notifying her that the restaurant is named as the defendant in a
negligence case. The plaintiff in the case alleged that she slipped and fell to the floor
inside the restaurant near the rear door late one night in December, 2008. According to
the plaintiff, she slipped on water from snow that had been tracked in and had melted.
The plaintiff also alleged that there were no employees or other customers in sight of
the back door when the plaintiff slipped and fell, and that she was leaving the restaurant
when the accident occurred. The plaintiff did not notify anyone at the restaurant when
the accident occurred or at anytime thereafter prior to the filing of the lawsuit. Although
most diners at the restaurant make reservations in advance, and pay with a credit card,
the restaurant has no records of reservations or payment by the plaintiff. The plaintiff
claims to have paid with cash. Susan and Bill have heard about alternative dispute
resolution and would like to know more about how it works and about its advantages
and disadvantages. If you were the attorney for Susan and Bill, what would you explain
to them about mediation and arbitration, including their advantages and disadvantages?
What would you recommend to them?